Trust & Estate Paralegal

Trust & Estate Paralegal

Location: Chicago, IL

Salary Range: $70,000 – $95,000 annually (commensurate with experience)

A well-established and growing legal practice is seeking an experienced Trust & Estate Paralegal to support its estate planning and administration team. This role offers the opportunity to work on sophisticated probate, trust administration, and tax matters within a collaborative, client-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all phases of probate administration, including preparation and filing of petitions, inventories, accountings, and related court documents
• Support trust administration, including asset transfers, valuations, and distributions to beneficiaries
• Coordinate asset collection, communicate with financial institutions, and prepare summaries for tax reporting
• Assist with preparation of federal and state estate tax returns, fiduciary income tax returns, and gift tax filings
• Serve as a point of contact for clients, trustees, beneficiaries, and outside advisors
• Conduct research on tax regulations and compliance requirements
• Maintain organized electronic case files and monitor deadlines to ensure timely filings

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in trust and estate administration, estate planning, or tax preparation
• Must have experience with gift tax fillings
• Paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program required; bachelor’s degree preferred
• Background in accounting or tax is a plus

Skills & Expertise

• Strong knowledge of probate procedures, fiduciary accounting, and tax filings
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and document management systems
• Experience with tax or accounting software preferred
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Professional, empathetic approach when working with clients in sensitive situations

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off and company holidays
• Life and disability insurance
• Professional development and continuing education support

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act

• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance